Both teams headed to Wagga to take on the Wagga Waratahs for a place in this weekend’s grand finals, but only one of them came away with the win. 

The Dianas were able to secure a 39-7 victory, while second grade lost in the dying seconds of their match, going down by one point, 27-26. 

Club president Bart Challacombe said it was a tough loss for second grade to take. 

“Especially knowing there was a shot at the grand final,” he said. 

“They (Waratahs) scored during their final set … right on the buzzer. 

“It was pretty heartbreaking for the boys, but they did play well all game. 

“It’s hard to lose that way, but as we said last week there is a chance some of them could be pushing for first grade selection for their grand final on Saturday. 

“It’s not all bad news.”

The Phantoms will be hosting this year’s Southern Inland Rugby Union grand finals at No. 1 Oval on Saturday, meaning the Dianas and first grade will have the home ground advantage. 

The Dianas did head into Saturday’s preliminary final as favourites, but they were challenged by the Waratahs. 

“I was reasonably confident they would win on Saturday,” Challacombe said. 

“They were down 7-0 at one stage, which did get me a bit worried, but they came back strongly to win. 

“It should be a very interesting match between them and CSU on Saturday.”

The Dianas finished the home and away season on top of the women’s sevens ladder, but after a week off were slightly rusty in their semi-final against the Reddies. 

However, the now consistent run of game time should hold them in good stead for the grand final. 

Challacombe said both the women’s and first grade sides would be putting in some solid sessions at training this week to prepare for the big dance. 

“It’s a big week for the club … everyone is starting to get very excited,” he said. 

Phantoms supporters have been urged to turn the town purple in the lead up.